The hospital air smelled like sterilized herbs and cheap soap. Kayomi walked down the hall, bandages still wrapped around his eyes, the faint scent of burn salve lingering. He kept his head low, arms tucked into his sleeves, trying to avoid attention. Of course, that didn't work.
One nurse whispered, "He's kinda cute…"
Another giggled, "Mysterious too, with the bandages. Like a broody little prince."
"If only he wasn't so short," someone muttered.
Kayomi sighed. I get hit by a fire jutsu and come out a heartthrob? This village is weird.
Just before he could reach the exit, a familiar voice called out behind him.
"Kayomi."
He turned. The medic-nin who had treated him stood there, an older shinobi with streaks of gray in his hair and tired eyes.
"This is for you." The man handed him a scroll, sealed in red wax and marked with the leaf symbol. "A copy of Lady Tsunade's chakra network research. I figured it might help with controlling your chakra."
Kayomi raised an eyebrow. "Why give it to me?"
The man shrugged. "Every medical ninja worth their salt knows that stuff like the back of their hand. Plus, it's just a copy."
Kayomi pocketed the scroll. "Thanks," he said with a slight bow.
Later.
The training ground was quiet just wind, dust, and the rustling of leaves.
Kayomi stood at the center, his breath steady. Bandages still covered his eyes, though they barely affected his vision anymore.
"Alright... let's figure out what happened."
He began to weave hand signs. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu."
The chakra burst from his lungs, but something was off. The flames roared out, bigger than before hotter with faint streaks of blue dancing at the core like veins.
Kayomi's heart thudded. That was unexpected... Is this the effect of a fire-saturated chakra network?
He moved again. "Earth Style: Mud Bullet."
The bullet formed then hissed, steam rising. It hit the tree, turning black and sizzling as it melted into a glob of molten magma.
Kayomi blinked. Okay... Is every jutsu going to be like this?
Hands flying, he made a Shadow Clone. It formed just like usual no issues. But when it disperses
Fsshh
A cloud of ash scattered through the air instead of smoke.
Kayomi sighed. I guess every jutsu is affected... I guess the system won't just magically explain this to me, huh?
[System Message: Initiating Full-Body User Scan.]
"…Huh?"
[Scan Complete.]
[User Trait: Fire Dragon Magic Detected.]
[This trait is actively mutating the chakra network due to the rapid absorption of high-level fire chakra.]
Kayomi stared at the message. So… this is because of Fire Dragon Magic?
[Correct. Normally, this trait would've caused a minor mutation. However, due to the absurd quantity of fire chakra absorbed in such a short time, the system was forced to generate an entirely new pathway to stabilize your body.]
He rubbed the back of his neck. That actually makes sense...
But more questions followed.
"Then why are my eyes changing when Six Eyes is only at level 5? Shouldn't that happen later?"
[Six Eyes is a powerful ocular trait. In preparation for its next phase, the system has started adapting your nervous system and ocular chakra flow.]
"...And Beast Magic? It's level 7, but my body hasn't changed much."
[Beast Magic does not enhance the body in the traditional sense. It alters the soul tuning it to summon and bond with spiritual beasts. Physical effects will remain minimal unless you willingly evolve the bond.]
Kayomi took a deep breath, trying to process. His chakra network was mutating, his eyes were being restructured, and his soul was being shaped into something that could summon mythical beasts.
Great. Just great.
Before he could spiral further into overthinking, something shifted. A tingle ran down his spine. His instincts flared.
He turned fast.
Whip
A kunai flew through the air, straight toward the trees.
Clink.
It never landed. It was caught mid flight between two fingers.
From the shadows stepped a man draped in silence. Silver hair, a calm presence, and a sword strapped to his back.
Kayomi's breath hitched. "...You're."
"Konoha's White Fang," the man said, stepping forward. "Sakumo Hatake."
He smiled lightly, eyes locked on Kayomi.
"Mind if I help?"